Grounds for revival

For many, coffee can feel like a religious experience. At least one night a month, Corner Perk owner Josh Cooke hopes to infuse his coffee shop with a double shot of divine love.

And just like Jesus, the coffee comes free.

“There will be a place where you can put contributions (for charity), but since we don’t need to rent a space or hire a minister, we really won’t need any money,” he said.

At 7 p.m. Monday night, the Corner Perk coffee shop at 142 Burnt Church Road Suite C will transform into a house of worship.

“It’s somewhere between a church and a worship service,” said Cooke, who earned his seminary degree from Mercer University in Atlanta. There will be music, led by Christian musician Jonathan King. Then Cooke will read a passage from the Bible, and then open the floor up for discussion.

“We’re going to keep it really simple: A scripture reading and discussion, no message or sermon,” Cooke said.

Children are welcome, although there won’t be a special activity or place for them.

“I think a lot of people are searching for spiritual/religious truth in their lives, but they don’t want someone saying ‘This is how it is,’” said Cooke, who owns the Corner Perk with his wife Kami, a music therapist.

Josh Cooke said for the past 10 years, through both college at Charleston Southern University and in seminary, he felt called by God to start a church.

He’s also experienced many different Christian denominations: Baptist, Episcopal, Presbyterian, to name a few. He attends Church of the Cross, and said his church and others have been very supportive.

“Carl Martin and Steve Scudderer from Crosspoint Church, Bob Hinley and Chris Rosenberry from The Refuge and Chuck Owens and the Leadership team at my Church, the Church of the Cross have volunteered to lend their support, finances, wisdom, and teaching abilities anytime they are needed,” said Cooke.

He said that while Christian denominations sometimes disagree on how they interpret some of the details of Christianity, “the big things don’t change.”

The worship services will initially be held on the first Monday of each month. And on these special evenings, the coffee will be free, too.

Cooke said he’s not trying to pull anyone away from any other churches, but instead to create a church “home” in a new venue. He hopes that the informal coffee house setting will help people feel comfortable.

“I want anyone, no matter how they look or dress or live, to come and listen and learn and ask questions,” he said. “My hope is they come one step closer to knowing the love Jesus has for them.”